London town!

So we decide to go into London for the night, Elena and I.  It all started out as a fun idea...but when we got going, juggling 2 bags, a baby and pram around London was not exactly my idea of fun.  

I was most nervous about navigating the underground, thinking about all the gazillion stairs and escalators and how we were going to manage.  However every time we got to a flight of stairs there was always someone around to help, which was such a relief and actually made public transport quite pleasant believe it or not. 

So there we were riding up an escalator, Elena working her magic as always.  She was below me, i.e exactly eye level with the guy below her who I must admit was a bit to cool for school.  I could almost see him roll his eyes back thinking oh no baby alert.  He had his nose in his book desparately trying to ignore us, at least he tried to but little miss Elena had locked in on a serious stare.  He then looked up gave her a smile but she wouldn't even blink.  When we got to the top of the escalator he turns round and says 'Cracking eyes!'  I thought to  myself damn straight :)

 



Gatecrashed Daddy's hotel



Paddington Station

What has the world come to, marmite chocolate






couldn't resist a little retail therapy and this Denim Jacket

Expressions

These pics say it all.....the different expressions all taken within the space of 5 minutes;

 intrigue, fun, loving, cuddly, dimpled smile and tasty tasty fingers, not to mention the giraffe!

Teddy bears picnic

                                            "If you go down to the woods today,
                                                   you sure of a big suprise..."

"Beneath the trees, where nobody sees
They'll hide and seek as long as they please

Today's the day the teddy bears have their picnic."

Things to make...

I know it's still a way away but Elena is definately getting this cake for her 1st birthday.  I just love it!!!  I also can't wait to get stuck in making all sorts of wonderful things for her.  The first thing on my list is some bunting - floral country style followed by a crocheted beanie with flowers and not to forget the old patch knit blanket.

This mobile is a project I started before she was born and now needs to be strung together. 

Wales v SA

Lucky for her she looks good in red....but I still think she will look much better in the Springbok jersey...

What you get when you mix; Welsh, Greek, South African

Everyday feels like Christmas

5 Months today and what a pleasure it's been!  Watching her grow is even better than staring into a fire, you just can't get enough....  Everyday is filled with new suprises.   Little Miss is up to all sorts and doing something new everyday.

At the moment, she is one happy bundle of joy, giggling up a storm, sucking her toe whenever it's bath time  and I could have sworn she said mama the other day, luckily daddy was around to witness but insists she was just finding her voice....ya right!!!





   

From Elena's view

There is nothing Elena loves more than sitting under the trees, listening to the birds, looking up at the sky through all the green leaves.  She absolutely loves the garden and is completely fascinated with it all.  I would say picnics are one of her favourite things.

I decided to look up and see things from her view and boy oh boy it was no suprise she is so captivated by it all.  I can't believe we go through life at a million miles per hour and never take a minute to look up and breath.  Ever since that day, I appreciate the little things in life as seen by little Elena.

These are all so cute, I couldn't choose a favourite, so here are a few from a picnic...

What's in a name?

What an angel.  Elena was such a super star on the flight and didn't utter a peep, she slept for a full 10 hours and I couldn't believe how easy it was.  I bet one day we'll be looking back thinking those were the days.  It's official she is a dream child!

However checking in was another story...when we arrived at Virgin check-in,  we got a little suprise from security.  I couldn't believe they were actually questioning whether this was my child?  Elena Maria Gareh vs Angela Athienides, and for a split second I thought oh here goes... How am I going to prove this is my daughter, seeing as she has the biggest blue eyes which clearly don't come from me.  Her father all the way on the other side of the world, and me scrambling for some form of new identity.  Luckily I had my driving licence with me in my new name but he still looked dubious, so I pulled out my bank cards also in the new name.  Finally he believed me and decided to let us through.

We had more explaining to do at passport control where I was strictly advised to carry my marriage certificate or a letter from her father giving me permission to travel alone with my daughter.  What has the world come to....

Flying solo...

Preparing for the flight, solo across the oceans back into winterland or (Narnia as I like to think of it).

Thank you sunny South Africa for having us, its been a blast and real delight.   I have eaten enough mangos, lichies & granadilla yoghurt to last another year and experienced many electric storms as only Africa knows how.  Elena loved her swims and daily walks in the garden.  She also loved feasting her eyes on all the shots (food) that was flying around, and she certainly can't wait to eat it all!

Here's hoping she will be as good as she was on the flight out, not a peep.  Elena will always remember her first big adventure as the sun feeds the soul.

Thank goodness for deep sunken designer chairs - made for perfect baby sitting.
Enjoying some thinking time with daddy in the Virgin lounge at Heathrow. 

With a face like this it's no wonder she gets a lot of attention on the flight - everywhere we go in fact.

Welcome

I wanted to start a blog of my little daugther, so that friends and family can grow with her, follow her adventures and get to know her a little better.

So with no further delay, I introduce to you.... Little Miss Elena Gareh.

Her eyes say it all...for those who havent met her, will not yet know their true effect.  They are enchanting, captivating and very very BiG.

Come with us on our journey, the world as we see it - by Elena and me!